Sisal is used in many hard-wearing products, including twines, ropes, plaster reinforcements, and dartboards. The same qualities of strength that make the fiber preferred in these products, make it ideal for floor covering. Aside from its durability, sisal is remarkably versatile, enabling Design Materials to produce carpets in an exceptional range of colors.

Design Materials uses superior-grade sisal, grown on plantations in Tanzania, East Africa. This extremely strong fiber is obtained from the long, green leaves of the Agave plant. Each leaf contains an average of 1,000 fibers that are extracted, washed sundried, brushed, graded, and baled. The remaining plant is used to produce electricity, which supports Tanzania’s economy and helps energize rural areas. Learn more about sisal at DMI floors.

The Manufacturing Process

This durable, non-porous plant has a smooth texture and a subtle sheen that helps repel liquids. The Hemp used by Design Materials is sustainably harvested in the higher altitude slopes of the Pacific Rim. Once cut and dried, the fiber is separated from the core, while the outer skin of the stalk is retained, resulting in a stronger, more resistant yarn.

Versatile & Durable

The long-lasting fiber is used to make paper, fabrics, and rope, in addition to beautiful floorcoverings. Design Materials weaves the warm, rich hues of natural Hemp in a distinct array of textures and patterns. Learn more about mountain grass at DMI floors.

Natural Beauty

Seagrass is popular for its texture, look, and durability.  The Seagrass fibers are undyed and make up our most stain-resistant natural fiber.  The fibers are reed-like and smooth to the touch with a slight natural sheen. Seagrass has an excellent neutral color consisting of light-brown, beige, and sage green hues.  The green hues can be present with recently harvested seagrass and always fade into a neutral tan with time.  As all the fibers are the same color, the Seagrass "Rug Color" refers to the weave of the rug pattern and not the actual "color." Variations in weave and color are natural characteristics of this natural fiber rug and make them unique.  Seagrass rugs are perfect for Living Rooms, Family Rooms, Dining Rooms, Entryways, and Hallways. 

The Manufacturing Process

Seagrass carpets from Design Materials are made from the Sedge family of plants, which grow in the low-lying areas of the Asia-pacific region. The perennial grasses are harvested from paddy fields that are loaded with seawater during the growing cycle. When the grass is mature, the fields are drained and the plants are cut and bundled. Workers twist (or ply) the grass entirely by hand and send it to factories where it is wound on tubes, loaded on creels, and woven into carpet. For more information about seagrass visit DMI floors.

Natural Benefits

Most Unique products are manufactured with 100% pure wool. Wool is an ideal selection for allergy-prone individuals since allergy to wool is virtually non-existent and, when used as carpeting, wool acts as a natural air purifier by actually attracting air-borne dust particles and common pollutants where they can be harmlessly vacuumed away. Tests show wools natural air purification process can last upwards of fifteen years. Wool does not promote the growth of dust mites or bacteria and is inherently fire safe through its natural flame-retardant qualities.

Eco-Friendly

Wool also acts as a natural air conditioner, absorbing moisture during periods of high humidity and releasing it when the air is dry. It is also easy to maintain. Spills and soil are easily removed.

Finally, wool requires from one third to one sixth the energy to produce than comparable synthetic fibers and has an ongoing ability to save energy due to its superior insulating properties, keeping the indoor environment warm in winter and cool in summer. Learn more about wool from Unique Carpets.

Natural Luxury

Tencel is an enhanced, solid-core fiber that's more durable than viscose fiber products. Tencel has a naturally soft and luxurious finish and can sometimes have a slight sheen. Stanton Tencel products are made using a closed loop production and are eco-friendly. Tencel has natural water management properties, and won't change characteristics if it gets wet. However, it's suggested to be dry-clean only as to not damage the fibers. Learn more about Tencel from Stanton.

For more information about wool products visit Unique Carpets Ltd.

For more information about sisal, mountain grass, or seagrass visit DMI Floors

For more information about tencel visit Stanton Carpet